USC coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday if cornerback Shareece Wright does not return within a month, he will probably redshirt.

Wright has missed the past two games after suffering a hairline fracture in his neck. He currently wears a brace on his neck and was originally expected to be out six weeks. But if he cannot return in the next three-to-four weeks, Carroll expects him to redshirt.

“If it is for three or four games, we won’t bring him back,” Carroll said. “We’d like to see if he can make it back for bigger portion of the season.”

SANCHEZ LIKELY

Quarterback Mark Sanchez participated in about one-third of the scrimmage portion of practice and will probably start against Arizona State if his bruised knee does not experience major swelling today.

“He threw really well,” Carroll said. “The doctors said if he made it through practice he could play in the game. We’ll have to wait and see how he feels (today).”

Sanchez was unavailable for comment because USC does not allow him to speak to the media after Tuesday.

MAUALUGA WILL START

Linebacker Rey Maualuga (sprained knee) was non-committal about whether he would start until informed by the media that Carroll said he would start.

“Am I 100 percent? It’s too hard to say because it’s only Wednesday and by the game, who knows?” Maualuga said. “My knee felt fine.”

Maualuga will wear a knee brace for the next three games and USC might move Brian Cushing to middle linebacker in nickel situations in order to give Maualuga a break.

USC fullback Stanley Havili, who originally was believed to suffer a shoulder stinger but actually twisted his neck, said he was cleared by doctors and will be able to play. Linebacker Luthur Brown (back) is still not cleared to play. Linebacker Michael Morgan (concussion) did not practice but could be back today. Tailback Marc Tyler (hip flexor) also missed practice. Offensive lineman Jeff Byers (sore knee) returned after a day off.

MUSTAIN READY

Although he threw two interceptions, quarterback Mitch Mustain said he was excited about the prospect of playing, even though he expects Sanchez to be available.

“I’d enjoy the opportunity but I expect Mark will play,” Mustain said.

“I imagine he’ll get the majority of the reps on Thursday.”

If nothing else, Mustain solidified his status as the No. 2 quarterback for the second consecutive week.

“It does beat the alternative,” Mustain said. “I don’t know if there’s any consolation or if you get a prize for it.”

Aaron Corp was the backup the first two games and Garrett Green briefly won the job the week of the Oregon State game.

PUNT-RETURN WOES

Tailback Joe McKnight said he believed he solved his problem fumbling punt returns.

“I’m working on catching the ball first instead of making my moves first,” McKnight said. “I need to look the ball in until I catch instead of trying to run. I’ve done a better job this week.”

McKnight sat out Wednesday’s practice with a sore knee that bothered him during warm-ups while he caught punts. He said he thought he would play in the game.